Looking for a reasonably priced camera for shooting youth ice hockey? Any suggestions? I'm considering the D3100
10669
If you choose to shoot with this camera you will want the zoom lens first and for most 55to 300mm not cheap if bought by itself. $249.00 Look for the camera bundled at it should have this. Use the action mode and you can get some good shots. Just point and hold down the button for rapid fire picture taking. It takes 8 in a row. I used this at an indoor water park and the pictures turned out pretty darn good. I hope this helps you.
1419789
The T4i is very good for short video clips but DSLRs tend to overheat during long uninterrupted shots. You'll still want your camcorder for school plays, etc.
192413
Due to inherent limitations and slowness of focus in any point-and-shoot camera, you have to plan the shot very carefully and practice a lot to be able to shoot moving subject with this type of camera. You have to learn about and learn to work around the limitation of the point-and-shoot cameras. In contrast to SLRs, they don't have dedicated focus processors and many of them focus using the image produced by the main imaging sensor. This is less than desirable and is very limiting for moving subjects. The sport mode will simply increase the shutter speed and possibly ISO to "freeze the motioin", it will not cause the camera to focus more quickly. Also, if you are shooting sports in-doors, it may present another challenge as focusing in low light is especially hard for pont-and-shoot cameras. If you are really serious about photographing your son's sporting events and just kids in motion, I would strongly suggest saving up for a while and stepping up to a digital SLR. The focusing speed will amaze you, and the number of good quality (in focus, properly exposed) shots that you will end up with will be so much higher, it will make investment in SLR worth every penny. If you are really not into SLR for one reason or the other, I suggest you read and understand the techniques involved in shooting fast moving subjects as well as technology behind focusing in point-and-shoot cameras. Then you will understand the limiting factors and will be able to work around them. It will be a lot more work for you than with SLR, but you will be able to do that.
2162834
Yes, this camera is very versatile at a really reasonable price. Before you try to take sports action shots, be sure to read the manual so you will use the correct settings. It is well worth the trouble and cost of ink to print the manual yourself if your camera does not come with one.
1998390
This was just the post I was looking for. My daughter has the D80 (I think) and wants to step up to more manual features, rather than simply point and shoot. Already familiar with Nikon layout - she selected the 3100 for her next step up but I was wondering what the differences were with the 5100. I agree with the swivel ability of the screen. She does a lot of self and group portraits that I think is needed for such situations. Anyhoo, I am glad I found you two talking about this.
1089496
Hey there, This camera is a great action shot camera, I used it for my little sister's gymnastic meets as well as soccer shoots and running shots, I just bumped up the shutter speed and the incredible focus motor did the rest!
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Jeryl, the Xsi's 9 point focusing system and 17% faster shooting speeds (over twice as fast for RAW) should prove very useful for sports shooters. I have to warn you though that you're eventually going to want a "fast" (i.e., wide aperture) telephoto for dimly lit games and these can be more expensive than the camera itself.
1736084
I would get the Nikon Coolpix L120. By far the best choice out there, and it's affordable!
356702
I Have upgraded from D300. I find the D=600 to be a good camera with full frame capability which is what I wanted to get. I would recommend it.
845334
IMHO no point & shoot camera is good enough for kids. I have bought and tried many of these and none come even close to the speed of a SLR when it comes to kids. Frankly if you want to preserve great memories, please invest in a SLR
309452
I cover High School sports, and in teh fall that means football, outside, at night, in varying light conditions. I typically run ISO3200, and the camera works fantastic. The camera is overall far better than I had hoped, and the pictures are fantastic.
830315
Hey Ed, When I was shooting at my son's hockey game every now and again it would all the way out and the camera had to be restarted. This was specific to the lens I bought. I ended up buying a brand new one and dontregret dropping the extra cash at all.
1409346
I have not but if this is your main reason for the camera I would not get this one. I noticed it does not have a sports setting. Also it depends on the environment you are shooting in, bright outdoors it will probably be okay but it has a small lens and sensor so i would not want to use it indoors. Also distance is important...closer the better.
1672481
You can get super deals on the d3100 now because of the age, and they are starting to turn up in the used market. That means they are having/ maintaining a re-sale value.No one mentions how light weight this camera is for a SLR [no top screen] which makes a huge difference when you have it around your neck all day.
2236369
I do have this camera, and I have taken it to arena football games which have a lot of movement. I got GREAT pictures. It does not have image stabilization, but you can easily take shots of moving objects by adjusting the PASM levels and modes on the camera. Such as your shutter speeds, lighting, etc. As for dark area pictures, I took pictures of my dog in the dark and it looks like I took the picture in a well lit room. Just use your flash when you take photos in the dark, whether it is inside, or outside. As for the video, for a little camera, the sound and quality are impressive. JJ
2046156
I see your post from a few weeks back. Great question. Have you made a purchase yet? I am also seeking a quality camera for indoor sports events without flash.
2136213
I am still looking.... Actually I own the Canon PowerShot A720. This is a wonderful and inexpensive well built camera but .... The responding time is too long for taking picture of children. I use it to take picture of my littler daughter and most of the time I need to shoot several to get the best one.